Oh wow! Excellent work with the shading here!

Thank you! ^^

Smug little cat there.

Always >w<

Is that Vishnu on the right? Our mutual friend has had fingers in more pantheons than I thought.

That one has more of an arachnid nature. There are two pairs of shoes on him, too. ^^ But yes, our lad has connections

It's Loki, Coyote and Anansi.

Anansi came to me just now after I'd replied.

Four of the knaves. And I kneweth not whence mineself was of good fortune.

MoOTF: Well, well! I would say look what the cat dragged in… hm… maybe in a funny way that’s true. Come, join us. You remember Dagan? *Dagan grunts irritably and doesn’t bother looking up from the glass he’s polishing* And it seems my esteemed fellow miscreants need no introduction.

Loki: *raises an eyebrow with a grin* What manner of unicorn is this? We all know you are hardly pure, Goodfellow.

Coyote: *waves a hand* Common misconception. Unicorns aren’t bothered by impurity, they care for balance.

Anansi: Then the question remains, Coyote. We could hardly be called balanced.

MoOTF: *cleaning a paw for effect* I rather like to think my balance is impeccable, thank you very much.

*snirks* Oh I dunno. I don't see Sleipnir tied up outside, so if we're talking 'balance' I assume Anansi is the designated driver; with that many limbs it shouldn't be possible to fall over.

I never got to ask you about Zeus last time, Puck. Was he really the dirty old bastard that mortal legends make him out to be?

Loki: *grins* Why bring a horse when you can be one?

Anansi: *lifting a pair of hands* You see? Someone who appreciates my unique gifts.

Coyote: *smirking* Your unique gift of tangling all eight of your limbs when you’re drunk, you mean?

MoOTF: *shaking his head with an almost nostalgic smile* All that and then some. Your mortal legends were the only highlights.

*bemused raised eyebrow side-eye to Loki...

And how come the White One left you alone? I'm having a hard time picturing her looking down on your antics from above and not going 'ew, no' once or twice. *snorts* Mother's Day cards must be well awkward.

Loki: *grin dissipating into a scowl* She made her point. Several times. And the Bronze One did also, twice. But Mother’s Day is lovely… usually.

Coyote: *resentfully* All of us have been geassed by the Hand at least once. *Anansi clears his throat smugly and Coyote growls* Fine, all but one.

Anansi: Thank you.

Ah. Sore point. Fair dos, say no more about it.

Thou were of a wonder as to the reason for mine own quiet at such retort.

I was a bit, yeah.

*to Puck*

On the matter of geases... did your little browse through the High Magister's library meet with any success?

MoOTF: *tail fluffs a little* Yes and no. I found the books, but I also found an unopenable spell placed on them. So much for rubbings. I duplicated them both and placed a protection spell on the replicas. It isn’t ideal, but it buys time enough for us to figure out what makes the spell tick.

Meh. Should have guessed it wouldn't be quite that easy. But at least - I assume - it isn't the White One blocking the effort, not when there are innocents in a position that has nothing to do with your involvement.

*internal thought response*

(Liar. Thou cans't hide from mineself thine suspicions.)

(Well I don't know that for certain, do I? And that lies in the future. It doesn't affect the situation now.)

("Nothing to do with your involvement?" And what, pray, in regard to yon tome's other contents?)

(Just drop it, will you? One careless tapped thought channel could blow the whole tapestry wide open. We continue as we are, until we get confirmation from the White One herself. THEN assume the worst.)

MoOTF: Likely not, or I’d be bleeding. I think we have only the caution of the High Seelie Court to thank for this obstacle. There are four magical signatures woven into the spell, two I recognize as the Magister’s and the Judicator’s, and two that are unfamiliar.

*he lowers his voice* But I would bet my new wings that one of these sources was draconic. Not the Scalemother, either. I only know her magic in passing, but enough to recognize it. This is something older. Far older.

Coyote: *peeking over Anansi’s shoulder* Old, you say? Perhaps I can help. *he examines his claws* You know, with me being around at the start of creation and whatnot.

Anansi: *leaning in* And woven magicks happen to be my specialty.

Loki: *still at his seat swirling his drink* I certainly would not stoop to eavesdropping like these two jesters, but, were someone in need of assistance in opening something meant not to be opened, I might be inclined to offer aid.

MoOTF: *smirks* My, my, Two Minds. What strange bedfellows we find ourselves with. What say you?

*internal debate*

(Thou wouldst regret this.)

(I'm regretting it already. But this can't be a coincidence. You think the White One herself won't be fully aware of what's going on here? The ball's already rolling; we'd better catch it before it runs off the road. You know what they say about cats and curiosity... if it is a trap or a test, we'll find out by whoever bleeds first.)

(There be forces involved about which we know not.)

(Aren't there always.)

*mind made up*

Alright gents, you all have me over a barrel. Puck knows me too well; I'm not going to rest easy until I find out what manner of ancient power older than the Scalemother that the Magister and Judicator could have been around to be in cahoots with.

Meantime, I'm going to need a very large and very strong Irish coffee with a tot of Baileys in it. I think better with some caffeine inside me.

Plus there's another 'riddle' that comes to mind.

...Why would such a tome containing certain writings and notations we know to be no more than around two hundred years old, be locked by something so ancient? The Scalemother herself has ruled for far longer than that, surely.

And thou art absolutely certain this be the proper volume, since thou hast not inspected the contents?

...Eesh. I hadn't thought of that.

I see Anansi, MoOTF, I assume good old Coyote. But I'm not certain about who the last trickster might be. Hmm. Perhaps Sun Wukong? Ah, and I see my Unicorn friend has divined the truth I could not see. *Bows to the tricksters* I see I am in the presence of royalty and divinity all wrapped in one.

Always a pleasure to see friends of a friend. Who may or may not become friends in their own due time. Or just tricksters. *Shrugs* It's good to see you still have some people to just hang out with and be yourself, my friend. *Pets the cat's head.* I'm sure a certain Cait Sith must be seething right now that you've taken that form of all possible ones. And you look like the cat that got the cream, if you don't mind my use of the phrase.

*Hugs Dearshul* My friend, just keep moving at your own pace. We understand, especially in these times. Love to the family!

Loki: Well met. It is good to be recognized properly when there is so much confusion about my true status.

Anansi: *lifts two of his hands in greeting and cocks a knowing eyebrow at Loki’s comment* One wonders whether you refer to the version of you in those little paper picture books or something else…

Coyote: *snorts into his drink at Anansi’s words, but composes himself and offers a friendly hand* There’s an air of discernment about you. Should we be impressed or concerned?

MoOTF: Both, gents, both. This fellow is a fascinating combination of morality, second sight, and mischief. Full of surprises, I assure you. *winks*

Oh, ho, ho, yes! He would get his petty little tail in a knot if he knew.

*lifts a paw* Dagan! A drink for my friend! Keep it tame, he likes his mind clear.

Dagan: *the old and harried-looking barman turns his attention to their corner of the bar* What’ll ya have?

(*hugs* Thank you, Omni, it means a lot. I will pass along your regards.)

*To Dagan* Anything that's nonalcoholic, Sir. Honestly, water will do just fine for me if you don't want to get anything else. It's usually my drink of choice, anyway, and literally lifesaving. Or is that life sustaining? *I ask of the group*

Though, Anansi, I must admit I'm surprised you describe comic books in such a manner when they weave some of the most fascinating stories in their depths while helping to bring that story to life through the use of ink as well as the written word. I know the spoken word is more your style, but one must admire the other's craft from time to time, wouldn't you agree?

As for you, Sir Coyote, I know a few of your stories. Some are happy and light. Others are ... less pleasant. Not to dig up old wounds, but I'm glad to see that your scars have healed.

As for you, Your Highness, one wonders, if you're here, does that mean that all of the gods of Asgard are still around as well? Or have you managed to out fox and outlast them all in this modern day and age?

Dagan: *inclines his head and fetches both a glass of water and glass of cranberry juice to leave you to your preference. He pats the bar appreciatively* At least someone here seems responsible.

Anansi: *spreading his hands* I have no qualms with the medium, only some of the depictions of my friend. I know better than most the value of tales, no matter what form they take. The trouble is that I also know the damage that misplaced words might do.

Coyote: Sir? I think I like this one, Faces. *he finishes his drink* Coyote healing can do wonders. Though I admit I still have trouble seeing out of my left eye sometimes. A small price to pay for having to grow it back.

Loki: *shrugs a shoulder* Most only lasted so long when the Hand had their purge of the gods. The Allfather was shrewd enough to accept most of their terms, as was my daughter, Hel, but my brother was too prideful for any of that. It was his undoing… his and most of the rest, besides. It is a miracle all of my children but Jormungand survived, really.

MoOTF: *becomes uncharacteristically still at the mention of Loki’s children, then swiftly lifts a paw to signal Dagan for a refill*

I am sorry to hear that, Loki. To lose a family member like that is never pleasant. I hope that Fenrir at least was treated fairly after his release, though. He didn't deserve what he got from Odin.

As to be expected from a weaver of tales, your wisdom is insightful and well founded, Anansi. And I am grateful for it. At least this particular piece. *winks*

I admit that's one tale I'm not familiar with in your history, Coyote. I was actually referring to your encounter with the wind spirit and his younger sister. Though the eye sounds like it was much worse.

*Takes a sip of the water*

Loki: True, indeed. All of them torn from their mother, but Fenrir was treated worst of all. The peace between he and Odin now that he is back in his fur was part of the Hand’s terms. They abide by it, but neither like it. *he scratches his chin* One of the few good things the Hand have managed, I suppose.

Anansi: *smirks and winks four of his eyes in return*

Coyote: *rubs the corners of his mouth at the memory* No, no, you have a point. That escapade was a deeper wound to my pride in the long run. My eye… well, that was a miscalculated experiment, but plums exist because of it so I suppose it was worth the trouble.

Oh, most definitely, Coyote. I thank you very much for it. Plums make for excellent chutney ingredients. As for you, Loki, I think you sell the hand a little short. There are some very good things that have come of their manipulations. Not all, I'll grant you, but many. As the old saying goes, there must needs be opposition in all things. Even in the fingers, I suppose. Out of curiosity, do you still keep contact with Mother Mahu?

Lassiate: *sounds of a large parade can be heard outside, and only seems to be getting louder. A large number of garishly dressed performers begin filing in, to the point where the tavern feels overly crowded. An ornate golden carriage is clumsy pulled in (how it fit through the front door is anyone's guess) The footmen try to make their way to open the carriage door, but are too crowded in. The carriage door swings open knocking the footmen and several performers down, as Lassiate walks out, paying no heed to the fallen members of his entourage he is stepping on. His expression is somewhere between irritated and hurt.*

The lot of you have no idea how deeply you have wounded me to have not recieved an invitation to this little swaray!!! I enjoy drinking!!! And Trickery!!! How could you possibly have such a gathering without LASSIATE THE PHEONIX KING!!!!????

*multicolored flames burst in the background behind him as he makes a dramatic pose. This causes some of the overcrowded parade members to catch fire, panic and all start to trample out of the building.*

Anansi: *jerking two thumbs over his shoulder and raising an eyebrow at MoOTF* Who’s the firebug?

MoOTF: *with a graceful leap into the arms of the footman nearest to Lassiate, careful to keep up the facade by levitating himself* Your Highness, I meant no disrespect. This lot is a mite paranoid about people they haven’t met, and rightly so. But, as you’re here and I have offended, have a drink on me and all this can be mended, eh?

Coyote: *murmuring to Anansi* A king and a prince in one room? The pub won’t be able to hold their pride. *Anansi smirks and takes a drink*

Loki: *watches Lassiate and his entourage with cold calculation, not liking to be outranked*

Lassiate: *gasps In excitement. Hugs MoOTF cat lifting him from the foot man's arms* Oh my dear MOOTF!!! *phonetically saying the acronym* Of course I will forgive you all for your egregious offense in not inviting me!!! After all, LASSIATE THE PHEONIX KING!!! Is nothing but forgiving!!!

*Turns to face the now mostly gone parade* Did you hear that everyone?! I get to...

*watches as the last of his flaming parade runs out of the building. Becomes angry.*

Oh fine!!! Just because I accidentally set some of you on fire, and walk over those of you who fell over, you all decide to abandon me in my hour of triumph!!! Have none of you heard of suffering for your craft???!!!

*stomps over to the entrance, pull off a bejeweled sandal and proceeds to throw it after them* AMATEURS!!!!!!!!!!

*proceeds to walk back over to the others* ugh!!! You would not believe how finicky people get about silly little things like, being set one fire!!!

Anansi: *smirking and giving Coyote an amused glance* Tch. Artists. Who can say what goes on in their heads?

Loki: *having conjured a very handsome fur-lined blue cloak and golden circlet to adopt a more regal appearance* I would say that it is hard to find proper servants these days, but it has always been a struggle.

Coyote: *under his breath* Here we go.

MoOTF: Dagan, my good man! Fetch the Phoenix King something strong and expensive! Only the best, if you please.

Dagan: *mutters grumpily as he wipes feathers and glitter off of the bar and stalks off into the back room*